I am almost always DEAD LAST at the start of every race. I run my pace. I stalk my competition. I know what everyone is capable of. I mentally prepare for my race by setting a goal time and pacing strategy and then I run MY RACE hoping that I catch them at the end. I won every race until district this way, got 1st in the 1600 and 2nd in the 3200 at district, 2nd in both at area, and 2nd in the 3200, 3rd in the 1600 at regionals. Racing smart is working for me this year. Racing hard did me no good at all last year.